Indian Passport Slides to 85th on Henley Index, Cutting Visa-Free Access
Delhi’s Revamped Terminal 2 Reopens, Adding DigiYatra and Self-Bag Drop for 120 Daily Flights
Air India Debuts Delhi–Manila Non-Stops, Leveraging Philippines’ Visa-Free Entry for Indians
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India Clears 26,495 Weekly Flights for Winter 2025, Adds Four New Airports
DGCA has finalised India’s Winter 2025 schedule with 26,495 weekly flights across 126 airports—6 % more than last year. Added routes to Amravati, Hisar, Purnia and Rupsi enhance regional access for corporates, while capacity growth signals strong post-pandemic demand.
Chandigarh Secures First-Ever Direct Flight to Hisar in New Winter Timetable
Alliance Air will connect Chandigarh to Hisar for the first time, starting 7 November under the new winter schedule. The short hop slashes travel time between the two industrial hubs and revives air access to Kullu-Manali as part of a multi-leg regional route.
Indian Passport Slides to 85th Rank in 2025 Henley Index; Visa-Free Access Shrinks to 57 Destinations
The 2025 Henley Passport Index, published 24 October, shows India dropping to 85th place, with visa-free/VOA access falling from 62 to 57 countries. The decline raises travel costs and lead-times for Indian companies and underscores the need for fresh reciprocal visa deals.
White House Defends US$100,000 H-1B Fee in Court, Citing ‘Fraud’; Indian IT Firms Alarmed
On 24 October, the White House said it will defend a new US$100,000 H-1B filing fee against multiple lawsuits, calling the levy necessary to curb fraud. The fee could dramatically raise mobility costs for Indian tech talent and force companies to rethink U.S. staffing strategies.
Delhi IGI Airport Terminal 2 Set to Reopen; 100+ Domestic Flights Shift on 26 October
An Indian Express report on 24 October confirms Delhi Airport’s Terminal 2 will reopen in the early hours of 26 October, shifting over 100 daily Air India and IndiGo domestic flights. The move redistributes capacity, shortens queues and requires travellers to double-check terminal details.